Policies and Procedures

Service Animal Policy

Service animals are individually trained to effectively perform tasks for people with disabilities. The University of Connecticut complies with federal and state disability civil rights laws and permits service animals that assist persons with physical, mental and/or sensory disabilities on all University of Connecticut campuses where participants and members of the public are normally allowed, including food service areas.

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) will determine the appropriateness of the presence of a service animal for programs, services and activities based upon the following:

• Whether or not the student has a disability;
• Whether or not the animal is a service animal; and
• The tasks performed by the animal.

A service animal may be excluded only when one of the following conditions below exist.

• The service animal is disruptive and the student is not effectively controlling it, for example, a dog that barks repeatedly during a lecture (consideration should be given if the service animal was distracted or scared by another person or animal, or if barking is a required task);
• The presence of the service animal would fundamentally change the nature of the job, program, service or activity;
• The service animals’ presence, behavior or actions pose an unreasonable or direct threat to property or the health or safety of others. Risk may not be remote or speculative, such as thinking an animal might bite someone or will annoy others. Allergies and fear of animals are generally not valid reasons to exclude a service animal.

Exclusions are determined on an individualized basis and based on whether or not another reasonable accommodation can be provided. If the service animal is to be excluded, the student should be given the option of participating in an activity or receiving services without the service animal on the premises. If the student decides to participate without the service animal, efforts to reasonably accommodate the student should be made. In addition, the student must be allowed to participate in the activity when the animal’s behavior is under control.

Questions regarding a service animal should be directed to the CSD at (860) 486-2020 or csd@uconn.edu. Federal law does not require an animal to be formally trained or certified that it has been trained. A student is not required to provide an ID or any other documentation as a condition of access. A service animal is not required to wear collars, tags, vests, or other identifying equipment indicating that it is a trained service animal. In addition, a service animal user does not have to use a leash if he or she is unable, if using a leash would harm the student, or if the animal must perform a task without the use of a leash.